Detection of wild poliovirus in environmental samples in Lahore and Rawalpindi districts has forced the authorities to launch an extensive vaccination campaign in Punjab.
Considering the lingering threat in Punjab, the Polio Eradication Program is all set to launch the vaccination campaign in 14 districts of the province, including Lahore.
Around 97,000 workers will be engaged to immunise 11 18 million children under the age of five years.
Punjab Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Coordinator, Khizer Afzaal said poliovirus had been detected in environmental samples from the big cities Lahore and Rawalpindi, and the parents should ensure administration of polio drops to their children.
The launching of the campaign coincides with countries across the globe observing the World Polio Day on Monday. The country is commemorating he day with a commitment to eradicate the disease. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) theme for the day this year is a healthier future for mothers and children.
Wild poliovirus was detected two months ago in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The disclosure has alarmed the authorities involved in efforts to eradicate the risk to the children, including the Punjab government.
Meanwhile, the province is observing the World Polio Day with many hospitals and health organisations having planned walks, seminars and other programmes to spread awareness about the disease that is still a threat in several parts of the county.
Besides the health department and hospitals, educational institutions across the province will also organise awareness walks and programmes about polio. However, the main focus of the authorities is on ensuring the success of the vaccination campaign in the 14 districts.
“The campaign will be launched in the Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Mianwali, Khushab, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts. It will continue for seven days in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad, with two days dedicated to reaching children previously found ‘not available’,” a senior official of the Polio Programme said while speaking to The Express Tribune. In the rest of the districts, the Sub-National Immunisation Days (SNIDs) will last five days.
The 97,000 polio workers who will participate in the drive include 7,996 area in-charges, 1,902 union council and district supervisors, as well as 82,470 mobile, 2,568 fixed and 3,042 transit team members.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2022.
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